Drinkable History (And A Tasty One It Is)

What’s in a cocktail’s name? More than you might expect. By Kara Baskin Globe Correspondent Bartenders love to get creative when christening drinks. Of course, sometimes things go too far: Recently Cambridge’s Friendly Toast quickly plucked a Strange Fruit cocktail from their menu after a customer noted that is was named after Billie Holiday’s song about lynching and racism. Oops. …

Where To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day In Boston

By Scott Kearnan St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and Boston knows how to celebrate.  But even if you won’t be hitting the parade route, here’s where to hunker down for a pint of Guinness, some (semi) traditional Irish dinners, and good company.  Irish eyes will be smiling – and forks clanging, too. Celebrate with special menus.  Plenty …

Eat ‘Chowdah’ For A Good Cause At The Blue Ox

Lynn – For those who might not be aware, next Wednesday is “National Clam Chowder Day.”  And to celebrate, the Blue Ox Restaurant on Oxford Street will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sales of their chowder to My Brother’s Table. Not only does My Brother’s Table provide nourishing meals for the hungry, the nonprofit organization delivers meals to …

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food & drink events. 1) On Wednesday February 25, in honor of National Clam Chowder Day, The Blue Ox restaurant in Lynn will donate a portion of the proceeds from each bowl of clam chowder purchased during dinner service to My …

2014: Favorite Restaurants & My Top 50

What were some of my favorite restaurants of the past year? Let me continue the lists of my best recommendations and favorites of 2014.  I have already posted my Top Ten Wine lists, my Favorite Wine Related Items & Favorite Spirits and Drink Related Items.  Now, I want to concentrate on my Favorite Restaurants of the past year. This is certainly not a …

9 Spots To Find Great Digestifs Around Boston

By Scott Kearnan After stuffing yourself with a turkey feast, you may need a little help settling your stomach – for the next few days. That got us thinking: Where can one find some unique, creative or otherwise top-drawer digestifs around Boston? Here’s a guide to particularly interesting picks and impressive menus that will give you something satisfying to sip …

Uncork A Great Thanksgiving Feast With Wine

By Melissa C. Gillespie In some ways, choosing a wine for Thanksgiving dinner is difficult, given the great variety of foods and flavors. There’s white and dark meat. There are tart cranberries, creamy mashed potatoes, and spiced pumpkin pie for dessert. You may want to serve a little of several different types of wine so guests can taste a wine …

Autumn Calls For Pumpkin EVERYTHING … Most Especially On National Pumpkin Day!

Alexa Mellardo From pinning recipes onto your cozy seasonal Pinterest board, to picking up a pumpkin spice latte on the way to work, pumpkins are shown some serious lovin’ this time of year. The leaves change to auburn and crimson, cable knit sweaters and beanies come out of the woodwork and chic leather boots hit the cobblestone. Seriously, what is …

The Blue Ox Debuts A Weekly Secret Supper Club Series

Beginning Thursday, October 9, restauranteurs Matt and Joanna O’Neil of The Blue Ox in Lynn, will debut a weekly Secret Supper Club series designed to provide guests with an exclusive and customized dining experience. Every Thursday, one party of four to eight guests will enjoy an intimate and original four-course dinner with wine pairings served in the main dining room. …